Islam And Politics

The subject, at the outset, makes many heads roll over both in positive and negative dimensions. Of course, it differentiates between three groups; one which possesses knowledge and wisdom and other, which relies on hearsay and inauthentic sources. The third dimension is that those who are highly volatile, vocal and emotional. The approach towards subject should be based on principles and pragmatism. At this juncture, it is important to understand the nuance between values and culture of a specific time. We must also understand that getting emotional and sentimental at any particular moment is not beneficial at all. In fact, it defocused our intelligence, thereby; we drift rudderless in the ocean of confusion and chaos.

Among many people, there is a misconception about politics. At the outset, people think that it is dirty, corrupt and unethical; hence, common man shuns it totally. They don't get involved in politics, which make them ignorant and arrogant. In their daily life, it eventually, affects them in many ways. A question arises as to what is politics and what is the role and responsibilities of public?

There may be many simple and complex definitions of politic. However, an appropriate and within the context of this article, this version is specified in the subsequent lines. Politics are the practice and theory of influencing other people. Politics involve the making of a common decision for a group of people. It means a uniform decision applying in the same way to all members of the group. It also distinctly defines that managing people's affairs with justice, humility in a disciplined way. In some specific form, it propagates, "Charity for all and malice towards none." In the political setup, electing leaders, who honestly and sincerely justify their role, in delivering goods among the members of the society is of paramount importance.

Islam defines politics in clear terms emphasizing how the human society should function to uphold humanity and its values. Allah says in Holy Quran, "We verily sent Our messengers with clear proofs, and revealed with them, the Scripture and the Balance, that mankind may observe the right measures; and He revealed iron, wherein is mighty power and (many) uses for mankind, and that Allah may know him who helpeth Him and His messengers, though unseen. Lo! Allah is Strong, Almighty" (Chapter Al-Hadid-(Iron). 57:25, Pickthal)

Ayatollah Mirza Mohammed Puya has unequivocally substantiated in the following paragraph. The three aspects of divine sovereignty referred to here are:

(a) Legislative,

(b) Judicial,

(c) Executive, by the terms (a) the book (b), the scale (c) and the iron It is emphasized that scale does not stand for physical weighing or measuring alone. Similarly, the iron not only stands for power, discipline and sanctions of law but also the source of political and economic power. In other words, it is for testing man's attitude towards the divine law and order.

In general, people who are elected as leaders act and react differently because they think it is their achievement. In fact, it is their responsibility that they should implement fair practices, justify their actions and remain accountable to people. If they failed to do so, then they are depriving the same people who elected them. It is also the responsibility that they should adhere to Holy Quran and the teachings of the prophet.

The prophets in their era have always propagated the oneness of God and fair practices of governing their societies. They ensure that people are distinctly and clearly made aware of a righteous path and cautioned them against the unfair practices. They have also taught them the rights of people and their individual and community responsibilities.

The responsibility of leaders, community elders and youngster is to synthesize and synchronize human values within the community. Because responsibility in a community is a trust, and the chosen ones are required to return the trust undiluted. There is a need to become part of the organization and contribute in meaningful ways. Remember, we must protect and stand up for oppressed and innocent victims, otherwise,the whole exercise is in futility. Good deeds and righteous actions will never go in vain.

It is important to understand what is a deed and sincerity. In Islam, a value of a deed is directly proportional to sincerity. A deed is an intention, and sincerity is the commitment to continue doing it even in the face of criticism. In an Islamic political setup, we must allocate some responsibility to youth and let them independently handle them. If they fail, then don't criticize them. We must conduct debriefing session with them and highlight the causes of a fiasco and take corrective measures to overcome the shortcomings. Do not impose other's ideas on them instead make them feel that it is their domain, and they should own it. This will make a community grow and succeed and will lay a foundation for coming generation to follow suit.